Surgical stapling instruments and end effector assemblies thereof

ABSTRACT

A staple cartridge assembly of a surgical stapler includes a chassis defining an elongate channel therein, a first electrical connector coupled to the chassis, a staple cartridge body configured for removable receipt in the elongate channel of the chassis, and a second electrical connector coupled to the staple cartridge body and having a memory. The memory has stored therein a parameter of the staple cartridge body. The first and second electrical connectors are configured to matingly engage one another upon receipt of the staple cartridge body in the elongate channel of the chassis

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application Ser. No. 62/752,481 filed Oct. 30, 2018, the entiredisclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to surgical stapling instruments. Moreparticularly, the present disclosure relates to staple cartridgeassemblies and anvil assemblies of surgical stapling instruments.

Background of Related Art

Surgical stapling instruments for operating on tissue are well known inthe art and may include a handle assembly, a body portion extendingdistally from the handle assembly, and a tool assembly supported on thedistal end of the body portion and being articulable relative to thebody portion. The tool assembly includes first and second jaws which aremovable in relation to each other between unapproximated andapproximated positions. In surgical stapling instruments, the first jawis an anvil assembly and the second jaw is a cartridge assembly. Astaple cartridge body of the cartridge assembly may be replaceable topermit reuse of the tool assembly during a surgical procedure. Thereplaceable staple cartridge body may be provided in a variety ofconfigurations for use on tissue having different properties, e.g.,thickness and density. For example, the different staple cartridgebodies may have staples of different sizes and/or the staples may bearranged in different configurations.

Many staple cartridge bodies include an identification chip that iselectrically coupled to the handle assembly by a conductor extendingthrough the body portion of the surgical stapling instrument to ensurethe handle assembly is programmed to operate with the attached staplecartridge body. During attachment of the staple cartridge body to thesurgical stapling instrument, improper loading of the staple cartridgebody into a chassis of the cartridge assembly may result in damage tothe electrical connection between the staple cartridge body and thesurgical stapling instrument. Similarly, exposure of the electricalconnection to fluids during a surgical procedure may impact theoperation of the surgical stapling instrument. It would be desirable toprovide a means of preventing damage to the electrical connectionsduring loading of the staple cartridge body and during use of thesurgical stapling instrument.

SUMMARY

In accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure, a staplecartridge assembly for use with a surgical stapler is provided andincludes a chassis defining an elongate channel therein, a firstelectrical connector coupled to the chassis, a staple cartridge bodyconfigured for removable receipt in the elongate channel of the chassis,and a second electrical connector coupled to the staple cartridge bodyand having a memory. Stored in the memory is a parameter of the staplecartridge body. The first and second electrical connectors areconfigured to matingly engage one another upon receipt of the staplecartridge body in the elongate channel of the chassis.

In aspects, the first electrical connector may be disposed within aproximal portion of the channel of the chassis, and the secondelectrical connector may be disposed at a proximal portion of the staplecartridge body.

In further aspects, the first electrical connector or the secondelectrical connector may have a female mating part, and the other of thefirst electrical connector or the second electrical connector may have amale mating part configured to detachably connect with the female matingpart.

In other aspects, the female mating part may include a pair of tubularmembers, and the male mating part may include a pair of pins dimensionedfor an interference fit in the pair of tubular members.

In some aspects, the pair of tubular members and the pair of pins may beconductive.

In aspects, one or both of the tubular members defines a pair ofopposing slits to facilitate expansion of the tubular member upon entryof one of the pair of pins.

In further aspects, the second electrical connector may include a pairof plates disposed between the memory and the pair of tubular members.

In other aspects, the second electrical connector may have a firstovermold seal disposed adjacent a pair of openings in the pair oftubular members. The first overmold seal may be configured to seal thepair of tubular members and the pair of pins from ambient conditionsupon matingly engaging the first and second electrical connectors.

In some aspects, the first electrical connector may include an overmoldhousing having the pair of pins extending distally therefrom. Theovermold housing may have a distally-oriented surface configured to abuta proximally-oriented surface of first overmold seal upon matinglyengaging the first and second electrical connectors.

In aspects, the overmold housing may define a pair of channelstherethrough in fluid communication with the respective pair of pins.The pair of channels may be dimensioned for receipt of a pair of wires.

In further aspects, the overmold housing of the first electricalconnector may be fixed within the elongate channel of the chassis.

In other aspects, the second electrical connector may include anovermold housing having the pair of tubular members disposed therein,and a second overmold seal covering a distal opening in the overmoldhousing to seal the memory within the overmold housing.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, an end effector assembly ofa surgical stapler is provided and includes an anvil assembly and astaple cartridge assembly operably coupled to the anvil assembly. Thestaple cartridge assembly includes a chassis defining an elongatechannel therein, a first electrical connector coupled to the chassis, astaple cartridge body configured for removable receipt in the elongatechannel of the chassis, and a second electrical connector coupled to thestaple cartridge body and having a memory. Stored in the memory is aparameter of the staple cartridge body. The first and second electricalconnectors are configured to matingly engage one another upon receipt ofthe staple cartridge body in the elongate channel of the chassis.

In aspects, the staple cartridge assembly may further include a shippingwedge removably coupled to the staple cartridge body and at leastpartially covering a tissue-contacting surface of the staple cartridgebody.

In some aspects, the anvil assembly may include an anvil body having acam surface configured to contact a proximal end portion of the shippingwedge to adjust an angular orientation of the second electricalconnector during insertion of the staple cartridge body into theelongate channel of the chassis.

Further details and aspects of exemplary embodiments of the presentdisclosure are described in more detail below with reference to theappended figures.

As used herein, the terms parallel and perpendicular are understood toinclude relative configurations that are substantially parallel andsubstantially perpendicular up to about + or −10 degrees from trueparallel and true perpendicular.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the present disclosure are described herein withreference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a surgical staplinginstrument in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a side, perspective view of a loading unit including an endeffector assembly of the surgical stapling instrument shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a rear, perspective view of a staple cartridge assembly of theend effector assembly of FIG. 2, including a staple cartridge body and ashipping wedge;

FIG. 4 is a front, perspective view of the staple cartridge body andshipping wedge of FIG. 3 being loaded into a chassis of the staplecartridge assembly;

FIG. 5 is longitudinal cross-sectional view of the end effector assemblyof FIG. 2, showing a first and second electrical connector of the staplecartridge assembly coupled to one another;

FIG. 6A is a top, side view of a proximal portion of the chassis of thestaple cartridge assembly of FIG. 3;

FIG. 6B is another top, side view of the proximal portion of the chassisof the staple cartridge assembly of FIG. 3;

FIG. 7 is a side, perspective view of the first electrical connector ofFIG. 5;

FIG. 8 is a rear, perspective view of the first electrical connector ofFIG. 5;

FIG. 9 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the first electricalconnector of FIG. 5;

FIG. 10 is a side, perspective view of the second electrical connectorof FIG. 5, illustrating multiple overmold shells in phantom;

FIG. 11 is a side, perspective view of internal components of the secondelectrical connector of FIG. 5;

FIG. 12 is a side, perspective view of the second electrical connectorof FIG. 5;

FIG. 13 is a side, perspective view of a proximal portion of the staplecartridge body of FIG. 3 with the second electrical connector coupledthereto;

FIG. 14 is a rear, perspective view of the staple cartridge body of FIG.3 with hooks coupling the second electrical connector thereto;

FIG. 15 is a side, perspective view, with parts removed, of the secondelectrical connector of FIG. 5 coupled to the staple cartridge body ofFIG. 3;

FIG. 16A is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the end effectorassembly of FIG. 2, illustrating the staple cartridge body beinginserted into the chassis and the first and second electrical connectorsout of alignment; and

FIG. 16B is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the end effectorassembly of FIG. 2, illustrating the staple cartridge body fullyinserted into the chassis and the first and second electrical connectorscoupled to one another.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the presently disclosed surgical stapling instrument andend effectors thereof are described in detail with reference to thedrawings, in which like reference numerals designate identical orcorresponding elements in each of the several views. As used herein, theterm “distal” refers to that portion of the surgical stapling instrumentor component thereof that is closest to the patient, while the term“proximal” refers to that portion of the surgical stapling instrument orcomponent thereof further from the patient.

As will be described in detail below, provided is an end effectorassembly for use in a surgical stapling instrument. The end effectorassembly includes an anvil assembly and a staple cartridge assemblypivotably coupled to the anvil assembly. The staple cartridge assemblyhas a chassis and a replaceable staple cartridge body removably receivedin the chassis. The chassis has a first electrical connector incommunication with a processor, and the staple cartridge body has asecond electrical connector having a memory storing information aboutthe staple cartridge body. Upon inserting the staple cartridge body intothe chassis, the second electrical connector electromechanically couplesto the first electrical connector. The electrical connectors may form afluid-tight seal with one another to prevent the entry of anycontaminants. In further embodiments, the staple cartridge assembly mayhave a shipping wedge supported on the staple cartridge body thereof. Araised portion on a proximal end portion of the shipping wedge interactswith a cam surface on an anvil body of the anvil assembly duringinsertion of the staple cartridge body into the chassis. The cam surfaceof the anvil body adjusts an angular orientation of the staple cartridgebody relative to the chassis to align the second electrical connector ofthe staple cartridge body with the first electrical connector of thechassis. Other features and benefits of the disclosed end effectorassemblies are further detailed below.

FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of the presently disclosed surgicalstapling instrument shown generally as surgical stapler 10. The surgicalstapler 10 includes a powered handle assembly 12, an adapter assembly14, and a loading unit 100. The handle assembly 12 and the adapterassembly 14 are configured to effect operation of the loading unit 100.For a detailed description of the structure and function of handleassembly 12 and adapter assembly 14, please refer to commonly owned U.S.Pat. No. 9,055,943 and U.S. Patent Application Publication No.2016/0310134, the content of each of which is incorporated by referenceherein in its entirety. Although the loading unit 100 is shown anddescribed as being selectively secured to the adapter assembly 14 of thesurgical stapler 10, it is envisioned that the loading unit 100 may besupported on a shaft of the handle assembly 12 in embodiments where thesurgical stapler 10 is devoid of an adapter assembly.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the loading unit 100 includes a proximalbody portion 101 and an end effector assembly 103. A mounting assembly105 is secured to the end effector assembly 103 and is pivotally coupledto the proximal body portion 101 of the loading unit 100 to pivotallysecure the end effector assembly 103 to the proximal body portion 101.Details regarding the operation of the loading unit 100 may be found inU.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0249929, the content ofwhich is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.Accordingly, the end effector assembly 103 will only be described to theextent necessary to fully disclose the aspects of the presentdisclosure.

With reference to FIGS. 2-4, an exemplary embodiment of the end effectorassembly 103 will now be described in detail. Although the end effectorassembly 103 is shown and described as being operable by the surgicalhandle assembly 12 (FIG. 1), it is envisioned that the end effectorassembly 103 may also be operably coupled to a surgical roboticinstrument. The end effector assembly 103 of the surgical instrument 10includes a first jaw member, such as, for example, an anvil assembly102, and a second jaw member, such as, for example, a staple cartridgeassembly 104, which are movable in relation to each other betweenapproximated and expanded configurations. The cartridge assembly 104generally includes a chassis 106 and a disposable staple cartridge body108 configured for removable receipt in the chassis 106. The chassis 106has a proximal end portion 106 a pivotably coupled to a proximal endportion of the anvil assembly 102. In embodiments, the proximal endportion 106 a of the chassis 106 may be indirectly pivotably coupled tothe anvil assembly 102. The chassis 106 defines an elongate channel 110therein dimensioned for removable receipt of the staple cartridge body108.

The staple cartridge body 108 has a plurality of tabs 112 extending fromopposing lateral sides thereof. The tabs 112 of the staple cartridgebody 108 are configured for a snap-fit connection in clearance featuressuch as notches 114 defined in opposing lateral sides of the chassis106. Other forms of connection are contemplated and can be used in placeof the snap-fit connection or in addition thereto. The staple cartridgebody 108 has a tissue-contacting surface 116 defining a plurality ofrows of staple-retaining slots 118. The staple cartridge body 108supports a plurality of staples (not shown) therein and is configured todischarge the staples through a respective staple-retaining slot 118 inthe tissue-contacting surface 116.

With continued reference to FIGS. 2-4, the staple cartridge assembly 104further includes a shipping wedge 120 configured to maintain the stapleswithin the staple-retaining slots 118 of the tissue-contacting surface116 of the staple cartridge body 108 and prevent actuation of the endeffector assembly 103 prior to removal of the shipping wedge 120. Theshipping wedge 120 includes an elongate body 122 dimensioned to coverthe tissue-contacting surface 116 of the staple cartridge body 108. Theelongate body 122 has a proximal end portion 122 a covering a proximalend portion of the staple cartridge body 108, and a distal end portion122 b covering a distal end portion of the staple cartridge body 108.

The proximal end portion 122 a of the elongate body 122 of the shippingwedge 120 has a raised portion 124 (e.g., tab, fin, etc.) configured toprevent approximation of the cartridge assembly 104 towards the anvilassembly 102 once the staple cartridge body 108 is loaded within thechannel 110 of the chassis 106 and prior to removal of the shippingwedge 120. The distal end portion 122 b of the elongate body 122 has aprojection 126 positioned and configured to be grasped by a clinician tofacilitate separation of the shipping wedge 120 from the staplecartridge body 108. The projection 126 may also act as a tool to pry thestaple cartridge body 108 from the chassis 106. The elongate body 122further includes a plurality of tabs 128 extending laterally fromopposing lateral sides of the elongate body 122 for engaging the staplecartridge body 108 to releasably secure the shipping wedge 120 to thestaple cartridge body 108.

With reference to FIG. 5, the staple cartridge assembly 104 includes afirst electrical connector 130 fixed within the chassis 106, and asecond electrical connector 132 fixed within the staple cartridge body108. As will be described in detail below, upon inserting the staplecartridge body 108 into the chassis 106, the second electrical connector132 electromechanically couples to the first electrical connector 130 tocommunicate information about the staple cartridge body 108 to theprocessor (not shown) of the surgical stapler 10.

With reference to FIGS. 5-9, the first electrical connector 130 isdisposed within a proximal portion 110 a of the channel 110 of thechassis 106 and generally includes an overmold housing 134 and a malemating part 136 a, 136 b extending distally from the overmold housing134. The overmold housing 134 may have a projection 138 extendinglaterally therefrom received in an aperture 140 in the chassis 106 forfixing the first electrical connector 130 in place. In embodiments, theprojection 138 of the overmold housing 134 may be a heat stake featureor metal that is welded or peened to the chassis 106. The overmoldhousing 134 has a planar, distally-oriented surface 142 configured toabut the second electrical connector 132 of the staple cartridge body108 upon insertion of the staple cartridge body 108 into the channel 110of the chassis 106. The overmold housing 134 defines a pair of channels144 a, 144 b dimensioned for receipt of a pair of wires (not shown),cables, flex circuits, or the like. The wires may extend from a proximalend of the male mating part 136 a, 136 b, proximally through the pair ofchannels 144 a, 144 b, to the processor (not shown) of the surgicalstapler 12. Other modes of electrically coupling the first electricalconnector 130 to the processor are also contemplated.

The male mating part 136 a, 136 b of the first electrical connector 130may be a pair of conductive pins spaced apart from one another and whichextend distally from the distally-oriented surface 142 of the overmoldhousing 134. In embodiments, the male mating part may be more or lessthan two pins. The pair of pins 136 a, 136 b may have a substantiallycylindrical configuration with cone-shaped distal tips 146 a, 146 b.Other shapes for the pair of pins 136 a, 136 b are also contemplated.Proximal portions of the pins 136 a, 136 b are embedded within theovermold housing 134 and in communication with the channels 144 a, 144b. In embodiments, the pins 136 a, 136 b may be in wirelesscommunication with the processor instead of a wired connection.

With reference to FIGS. 5 and 10-12, the second electrical connector 132of the staple cartridge body 108 generally includes a memory 148 and amale mating part, such as, for example, a pair of conductive tubularmembers 150, 152 in electrical communication with the memory 148. Inembodiments, the first electrical connector 130 may also have a memory.The memory 148 may include an EEPROM, EPROM, or any suitablenon-transitory storage chip. The memory 148 stores parameters of thestaple cartridge body 108 and is configured to provide information aboutthe staple cartridge body 108 to the processor in response to the secondelectrical connector 132 electromechanically coupling to the firstelectrical connector 130. The parameters may include at least one of aserial number of the staple cartridge body 108, a type of the staplecartridge body 108, a size of the staple cartridge body 108, a staplesize of the staple cartridge body 108, information identifying whetherthe staple cartridge body 108 has been fired, a maximum number of usesof the staple cartridge body 108, and combinations thereof.

The tubular members 150, 152 of the second electrical connector 132 arein electrical communication with the memory 148. In embodiments, thetubular members 150, 152 may assume any suitable shape, such ascylindrical, rectangular, or the like. The tubular members 150, 152define cylindrical cavities 156, 158 therein dimensioned for removablereceipt of the pair of pins 136 a, 136 b (FIG. 7) of the firstelectrical connector 130. Each of the tubular members 150, 152 defines apair of opposing slits 150 a, 150 b and 152 a, 152 b extendinglongitudinally along a length of the respective tubular member 150, 152.The slits 150 a, 150 b and 152 a, 152 b facilitate expansion of thetubular members 150, 152 upon entry of the respective pins 136 a, 136 b(FIG. 7) of the first electrical connector 130. It is contemplated thatthe tubular members 150, 152 may have more or less than four slits 150a, 150 b, 152 a, 152 b and that the slits 150 a, 150 b, 152 a, 152 b mayassume any suitable shape.

The second electrical connector 132 further includes an overmold housing160, a first overmold section 162, such as, for example, a firstovermold seal, and a second overmold section 164, such as, for example,a second overmold seal. The first overmold seal 160 is disposed on aproximal end of the overmold housing 160, and the second overmold seal164 (FIG. 10) is disposed within a distal opening 166 in the overmoldhousing 160. The first overmold seal 162 defines a pair of spaced-apartopenings 162 a, 162 b aligned and in fluid communication with a pair ofopenings 168, 170 of the respective tubular members 150, 152. The firstovermold seal 162 has a proximally-oriented surface 172 that abuts thedistally-oriented surface 142 (FIG. 7) of the overmold housing 134 ofthe first electrical connector 130 upon coupling the first and secondelectrical connectors 130, 132. The second overmold seal 164 covers thememory 148 and seals the memory 148 within the overmold housing 160 toprevent contaminants from contacting the memory 148. It is contemplatedthat the first and second overmold seals 162, 164 may be more flexiblethan the overmold housing 160.

With reference to FIGS. 12-15, the second electrical connector 132 isfixed to a proximal portion 108 a of the staple cartridge body 108. Inparticular, the overmold housing 160 of the second electrical connector132 may have a tab or protuberance 174 extending laterally therefrom forreceipt in a recess 109 defined in staple cartridge body 108. Further,the staple cartridge body 108 may include first and second hooks 176 a,176 b that extend over opposing sides of the second electrical connector132 to secure the second electrical connector 132 to the staplecartridge body 108.

With reference to FIGS. 16A and 16B, the anvil assembly 102 of the endeffector assembly 103 includes an anvil body 180 having a proximalportion 182 coupled to the chassis 106 of the staple cartridge assembly104. The anvil body 180 has a cam surface 184 formed at the proximalportion 182 thereof. The cam surface 184 may have an inclined portion184 a terminating in a peak 184 b, and a declined portion 184 cextending proximally from the peak 184 b. The cam surface 184 of theanvil body 180 is configured to interact with the raised portion 124 ofthe shipping wedge 120 to adjust an orientation of the staple cartridgebody 108 within the channel 110 of the chassis 106 during insertion ofthe staple cartridge body 108 into the channel 110 of the chassis 106.The cam surface 184 is configured to adjust the orientation of thestaple cartridge body 108 relative to the chassis 106, such that thesecond electrical connector 132 of the staple cartridge body 108 ismoved into alignment with the first electrical connector 130 of thechassis 106. The end effector assembly 103 may further include a biasingmember 186, such as, for example, a spring, disposed within the channel110 of the chassis 106 for resiliently biasing the chassis 106 away fromthe anvil body 180.

In operation, with reference to FIGS. 16A and 16B, a particular staplecartridge body 108 is selected depending on the type of surgicalprocedure to be performed, and is loaded into the channel 110 of thechassis 106 of the staple cartridge assembly 104. During proximalmovement of the staple cartridge body 108 into the channel 110 of thechassis 106, the raised portion 124 of the shipping wedge 120 contactsthe inclined portion 184 a of the cam surface 184 of the anvil body 180,whereby the staple cartridge body 108 is pivoted relative to the chassis106 in the direction indicated by arrow “A” in FIG. 16A and translateddeeper into the channel 110 of the chassis 106 in the directionindicated by arrow “B” in FIG. 16A. This movement of the staplecartridge body 108 relative to the chassis 106 orients the tubularmembers 150, 152 of the second electrical connector 132 of the staplecartridge body 180 into alignment with the pins 136 a, 136 b of thefirst electrical connector 130. The raised portion 124 of the shippingwedge 120 ultimately reaches the peak 184 b of the cam surface 184 and aplanar top surface 124 a of the raised portion 124 of the shipping wedge120 moves along the declined portion 184 c of the cam surface 184 untilthe pins 136 a, 136 b of the first electrical connector 130 are securedin the tubular members 150, 152 of the second electrical connector 130in an interference fit. Upon completing the insertion of the staplecartridge body 108 in the chassis 106, the proximally-oriented surface172 of the first overmold seal 162 of the second electrical connector132 is in flush engagement with the distally-oriented surface 142 of theovermold housing 134 of the first electrical connector 130, therebyforming a fluid-tight seal between the first and second electricalconnectors 130, 132.

Upon the tubular members 150, 152 of the second electrical connector 132receiving the pins 136 a, 136 b of the first electrical connector 130,the memory 148 of the second electrical connector 132 transfers theinformation stored therein about the staple cartridge body 108 throughthe tubular members 150, 152 of the second electrical connector 132 andto the pins 136 a, 136 b of the first electrical connector 130. Theinformation is then transferred from the pins 136 a, 136 b and to theprocessor (not shown) in the handle assembly 12 (FIG. 1) of the surgicalstapler via the wires (not shown) or a wireless connection (e.g., nearfield communication). The processor may then set the appropriateoperating parameters to ensure a proper use of the selected staplecartridge body 108. After the appropriate operating parameters are set,the staple cartridge body 108 may be fired.

Persons skilled in the art will understand that the devices and methodsspecifically described herein and illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings are non-limiting exemplary embodiments. It is envisioned thatthe elements and features illustrated or described in connection withone exemplary embodiment may be combined with the elements and featuresof another without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.As well, one skilled in the art will appreciate further features andadvantages of the disclosure based on the above-described embodiments.Accordingly, the disclosure is not to be limited by what has beenparticularly shown and described, except as indicated by the appendedclaims.

1. A staple cartridge assembly for use with a surgical stapler, thestaple cartridge assembly comprising: a chassis defining an elongatechannel therein; a first electrical connector coupled to the chassis; astaple cartridge body configured for removable receipt in the elongatechannel of the chassis; and a second electrical connector coupled to thestaple cartridge body and having a memory, the memory having storedtherein a parameter of the staple cartridge body, wherein the first andsecond electrical connectors are configured to matingly engage oneanother upon receipt of the staple cartridge body in the elongatechannel of the chassis.
 2. The staple cartridge assembly according toclaim 1, wherein the first electrical connector is disposed within aproximal portion of the channel of the chassis, and the secondelectrical connector is disposed at a proximal portion of the staplecartridge body.
 3. The staple cartridge assembly according to claim 1,wherein the first electrical connector or the second electricalconnector has a female mating part, and the other of the firstelectrical connector or the second electrical connector has a malemating part configured to detachably connect with the female matingpart.
 4. The staple cartridge assembly according to claim 3, wherein thefemale mating part includes a pair of tubular members, and the malemating part includes a pair of pins dimensioned for an interference fitin the pair of tubular members.
 5. The staple cartridge assemblyaccording to claim 4, wherein the pair of tubular members and the pairof pins are conductive.
 6. The staple cartridge assembly according toclaim 4, wherein at least one of the pair of tubular members defines apair of opposing slits to facilitate expansion of the at least one ofthe pair of tubular members upon entry of at least one of the pair ofpins.
 7. The staple cartridge assembly according to claim 4, wherein thesecond electrical connector includes a pair of plates disposed betweenthe memory and the pair of tubular members.
 8. The staple cartridgeassembly according to claim 4, wherein the second electrical connectorhas a first overmold seal disposed adjacent a pair of openings in thepair of tubular members, the first overmold seal being configured toseal the pair of tubular members and the pair of pins from ambientconditions upon matingly engaging the first and second electricalconnectors.
 9. The staple cartridge assembly according to claim 8,wherein the first electrical connector includes an overmold housinghaving the pair of pins extending distally therefrom, the overmoldhousing having a distally-oriented surface configured to abut aproximally-oriented surface of first overmold seal upon matinglyengaging the first and second electrical connectors.
 10. The staplecartridge assembly according to claim 9, wherein the overmold housingdefines a pair of channels therethrough in fluid communication with therespective pair of pins, the pair of channels dimensioned for receipt ofa pair of wires.
 11. The staple cartridge assembly according to claim 9,wherein the overmold housing of the first electrical connector is fixedwithin the elongate channel of the chassis.
 12. The staple cartridgeassembly according to claim 8, wherein the second electrical connectorincludes: an overmold housing having the pair of tubular membersdisposed therein; and a second overmold seal covering a distal openingin the overmold housing to seal the memory within the overmold housing.13. An end effector assembly of a surgical stapler, the end effectorassembly comprising: an anvil assembly; and a staple cartridge assemblyoperably coupled to the anvil assembly and including: a chassis definingan elongate channel therein; a first electrical connector coupled to thechassis; a staple cartridge body configured for removable receipt in theelongate channel of the chassis; and a second electrical connectorcoupled to the staple cartridge body and having a memory, the memoryhaving stored therein a parameter of the staple cartridge body, whereinthe first and second electrical connectors are configured to matinglyengage one another upon receipt of the staple cartridge body in theelongate channel of the chassis.
 14. The end effector assembly accordingto claim 13, wherein the staple cartridge assembly further includes ashipping wedge removably coupled to the staple cartridge body and atleast partially covering a tissue-contacting surface of the staplecartridge body.
 15. The end effector assembly according to claim 14,wherein the anvil assembly includes an anvil body having a cam surfaceconfigured to contact a proximal end portion of the shipping wedge toadjust an angular orientation of the second electrical connector duringinsertion of the staple cartridge body into the elongate channel of thechassis.
 16. The end effector assembly according to claim 13, whereinthe first electrical connector is disposed within a proximal portion ofthe channel of the chassis, and the second electrical connector isdisposed at a proximal portion of the staple cartridge body.
 17. The endeffector assembly according to claim 13, wherein the first electricalconnector or the second electrical connector has a female mating part,and the other of the first electrical connector or the second electricalconnector has a male mating part configured to detachably connect withthe female mating part.
 18. The end effector assembly according to claim17, wherein the female mating part includes a pair of tubular members,and the male mating part includes a pair of pins dimensioned for aninterference fit in the pair of tubular members.
 19. The end effectorassembly according to claim 18, wherein the second electrical connectorhas a first overmold seal disposed adjacent a pair of openings in thepair of tubular members, the first overmold seal being configured toseal the pair of tubular members and the pair of pins from ambientconditions upon matingly engaging the first and second electricalconnectors.
 20. The end effector assembly according to claim 19, whereinthe first electrical connector includes an overmold housing having thepair of pins extending distally therefrom, the overmold housing having adistally-oriented surface configured to abut a proximally-orientedsurface of first overmold seal upon matingly engaging the first andsecond electrical connectors.